Young Carers

Young Carers Bucks is part of Carers Bucks and supports children and young people aged 6-18 years old who care for a family member who has a:

• physical or mental illness
• disability
• drug or alcohol related misuse

 

The cared for person may be a parent, sibling or another relative living in the same household. The child or young person does not necessarily have to be providing ‘hands on’ care to be recognised as a young carer. Even if there are services in place and other members of the family helping with the care, the emotional impact and restrictions due to illness or disability can still have an enormous effect on the young carer.

 

Young carers are supported in a variety of ways:

• regular clubs and activities
• one-to-one support where needed
• someone to talk to who understands
• targeted group work
• information, advice and signposting
• opportunity to meet with other young carers
• support in schools

 

Young Carers - Criteria and Referrals

Young Carers Bucks works with social work teams and schools across Buckinghamshire and provides free training to help them gain an understanding of what it is to be a young carer as well as how to identify and support them better at home and in school. Please email us or call 0300 777 2722 for more information about training your team.

 

Referral Criteria

The young person is all of the following:

• between the ages of 6-18 years old
• lives in Buckinghamshire
• is aware of the referral and parent/guardian consent has been given
• cares for a family member within the home (parent/sibling/other relative)

 

The young person cares for someone with at least one of the following:

• a physical disability (including sensory impairement)
• a learning disability
• a long-term illness, with clear diagnosis
• a terminal illness
• a mental illness, with clear diagnosis
• alcohol or substance misuse
• is elderly

 

Their caring role has a direct impact upon or affects at least one of the following:

• social inclusion
• educational opportunities and achievement
• their emotional wellbeing
• their physical wellbeing
• family relationships

 

Making A Referral

To make a referral, please complete the referral form and return to:
Carers Bucks, Ardenham Court, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8HT
(for those living in Aylesbury Vale or North Buckinghamshire)
or
Carers Bucks, 39 Queens Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6AQ
(for those living in High Wycombe, Chilterns or South Buckinghamshire)